Sun Signs for Writers by Bev Walton-Porter Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Sun Signs for Writers
Book Review: Effective advice for ALL creatives
Summary: 5 Stars
This book was helpful and well organized. The only suggestion I would have is that while this book is for writers only, I believe the advice and tips in the book should be expanded to include all creatives. Ms. Walton-Porter's application of characteristics of astrological signs to creativity/writing is on-target and accurate.Book Review: Informative, inspirational, and FUN!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this book!!! I could not put Sun Signs for Writers down. (I read Virgo first because that's my curse -- er -- sign, but then I wound up reading all the other signs, too.)
This delightfully well-crafted read is also a genuinely useful reference. Everything Ms. Walton-Porter said about Virgo writers is TRUE, TRUE, TRUE. And probably the most helpful sentence in there (for this Virgo scribe, anyway) was "Rejection happens, dear Virgo!"
It's also incredibly appealing visually, and packed with fun tidbits like lists of writers born under each sign. For me, knowing that Mary Shelley, D. H. Lawrence, Roald Dahl, and Agatha Christie were all Virgos is a huge boost. The next time I hear that voice in my head saying, "Silly, Virgos can't be writers," I'll have some serious answering-back ammo.
Thanks, Ms. Walton-Porter, for a book that has already earned an honored spot next to my computer!
Book Review: Innovative but flawed
Summary: 3 Stars
The ancient forms of astrology have more to offer than a guide for every day living. Astrology can help you or hinder you as a writer.
Sun Signs For Writers promises to do just that: make the best of your astrological sign to be a better and more productive writer. Fulfilling that promise proves to be harder than it looks.
Bev Walton-Porter combines her in-depth knowledge of astrology and her success as a published writer in Sun Signs, taking the basics of each astrological sun sign and offering tips and exercises to make the most of strengths and bolster weaknesses. The mix of writing how-to and astrology is a natural in theory. In practice, there are far too many gaps.
Sun Signs repeats the same information in several places, as though the author ran out of material and needed to fill the space to be consistent. The overall execution is inconsistent. Walton-Porter is methodical and steady in everything but the details, mixing metaphors and failing to link Dos and Don'ts with several of the signs, opting instead to recycle generic writing tips that apply to every writer regardless of astrological sign. In some areas the focus is too narrow, as if writing about a specific person, but opts for a scatter gun pattern in other areas, filling up space with repetitious information and tips.
In one section, Geminis are characterized as having difficulty with concentration and focus. Walton-Porter suggests moving from one subject to another to get through writer's block, which would add fuel to the fire when it comes to lack of focus. Brainstorming is a good idea for signs that tend to be more rigid, like Virgo, but not quixotic and changeable Gemini. In the same chapter, Geminis are urged to focus on one task at a time and not allow their minds to wander, the opposite of brainstorming.
The graphics and art work are beautiful. The chapters are set up in logical and easy to read order, everything a reference book should be. Sun Signs for Writers has the ingredients of a solid resource but needs work to tighten up the gaps and broaden the viewpoint.
Personal asides offer a friendly bridge between author and reader but in some areas dull the point of a book meant as a general reference and change the focus from writing and being a better writer to the author. Treasure Sun Signs for Writers for its art work and recycle it when a less flawed resource comes along, or when a revised edition of this one comes along.
Book Review: Let the Stars Guide Your Pen
Summary: 5 Stars
Ever wonder why certain genres call to you? Or why you head straight for a particular section of the library when looking for a new book to read? Turns out you may be fated to connect with specific types of stories.
"Sun Signs for Writers" presents the idea that a writer's astrological sign directly relates to his/her muse. Can the words you choose be pre-determined by destiny? Look up your sign's listing in this book and then decide. Useful tips on conquering writer's block and creating fictional characters are also included.
Bev Walton-Porter's insights, which are based on years of experience in astrology and publishing, make "Sun Signs for Writers" a fantastic addition to my reference shelf.
Book Review: Loved it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book so much I bought it twice! I bought it at Borders because I was intrigued by the title, the book was filled with lots of great information, lots of useful tips and other fun stuff (such as other authors that were born under your sign). The second copy of the book I ordered through the authors website because she was selling signed copies of her book. So now I have one that I lend out to my friends and one that I can keep safe and sound in my house. :D